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Foreign residents, business travelers and tourists can access medical care in China, but the process may feel unfamiliar. Registration systems, department names, payment procedures and language support differ from one hospital to another. This practical guide explains how foreigners can choose a hospital, book an appointment, prepare documents and complete a typical outpatient visit in China.
Can Foreigners Use Hospitals in China?
Yes. Foreign nationals can generally seek care at public hospitals, private hospitals and international medical departments. Access does not mean treatment is free, and visitors should expect to pay consultation, examination, medication and treatment charges directly to the medical institution. The U.S. Department of State notes that medical care is not free in China and that payment or a deposit may be required before service or admission.
China has a very large healthcare network. Official statistics reported about 1.107 million medical and health institutions and roughly 38,000 hospitals at the end of 2025. The same release counted approximately 5.29 million licensed doctors and assistant doctors, 6.03 million registered nurses and 10.09 million medical beds. These figures show substantial national capacity, but the patient experience can still vary greatly by city, hospital level and department.
Choose the Right Type of Medical Facility
For mild symptoms, a community clinic or general outpatient department may be sufficient. For complex conditions, major tertiary public hospitals often provide broad specialty coverage and access to experienced clinical teams. International hospitals and international departments usually offer a more familiar service environment, more English support and simpler appointment handling, but their fees may be higher.
The British government’s guidance says that medical care is generally good in major Chinese cities, while also warning that some hospitals can be crowded and that English-speaking staff are not universal. A practical decision should therefore consider clinical needs, budget, location, language requirements and whether the hospital can support the patient’s insurance arrangement.
Identify the Correct Department
Chinese hospitals are organized by departments, and selecting the wrong one can delay care. A patient with abdominal pain may need gastroenterology, general surgery or emergency care depending on the symptoms. Joint pain may belong to orthopedics, sports medicine or rheumatology. Eye problems may require ophthalmology, while sudden chest pain or breathing difficulty should be treated as potentially urgent.
Before booking, prepare a short symptom summary: when the problem started, where the discomfort is located, whether it is worsening, previous diagnoses, current medication and relevant test results. A coordination service can help translate the administrative meaning of hospital departments, but only a qualified clinician can determine the final diagnosis and treatment plan.
Book the Appointment
Many hospitals use digital appointment systems, hospital apps, official accounts. Popular specialists may have limited availability, and schedules can change. Foreign patients may also encounter systems that require a Chinese mobile number, local identity verification or Chinese-language navigation.
For a routine visit, flexibility with the doctor and appointment time can improve the chance of a successful booking. For an expert appointment, patients should provide complete medical information and understand that a request is not a guarantee. MedigoChina’s coordination model separates the administrative service fee from hospital charges, so patients can see what they are paying for before the process begins.
Prepare Documents and Payment
- Passport or other accepted identification
- Appointment confirmation and hospital name
- Previous medical records and imaging reports
- Medication and allergy list
- Insurance card and policy details, if applicable
- A working payment method and accessible funds
- A local contact number and hotel or residential address
Bring original documents whenever possible and keep digital copies securely stored. Hospitals may request payment before consultation, tests, procedures or admission. Travel insurance documents do not automatically mean the hospital will provide direct billing, so coverage and payment arrangements should be checked in advance.
What Happens at the Hospital?
A typical outpatient journey may include registration, identity verification, payment of the consultation fee, waiting for the doctor, additional tests, a return consultation, payment for medication and collection of prescriptions or reports. In a large public hospital, different steps may take place in separate buildings or on different floors.
Patients who do not speak Chinese may benefit from practical support with registration, navigation, queueing, self-service machines, payment counters, pharmacies and locating examination rooms. This type of assistance is different from medical interpretation. Medical explanations and treatment recommendations must come from the hospital’s clinical team or a qualified medical interpreter.
After the Appointment
Ask the hospital how and when reports will be released, whether a follow-up appointment is required and how to obtain invoices, itemized bills, prescriptions and discharge documents. These records may be important for continued care at home or for an insurance reimbursement claim.
If another person will collect documents on the patient’s behalf, the hospital may require a signed authorization letter and identification documents. Requirements vary, so they should be confirmed before a representative visits the hospital.
How MedigoChina Can Help
MedigoChina supports international patients with general and expert appointment coordination, insurance pre-checks, health-checkup booking, hospital document retrieval and in-person patient assistance in Shanghai and Hangzhou. Patients select only the service stage they need. Hospital consultation, examination, medication and treatment charges are paid directly to the hospital and are not included in MedigoChina’s coordination fees.
Medical Disclaimer
MedigoChina is an independent medical coordination and patient-assistance platform, not a medical provider. We do not diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, guarantee appointment availability, or provide medical opinions. Clinical decisions must be made by qualified healthcare professionals. In an emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.